Masa Shivaratri Dates 2026 || Masik Shivaratri: A Day to Worship Lord Shiva

Significance in the Puranas

The Skanda Purana elaborates the greatness of Shivaratri, highlighting its power to purify and elevate the soul.
It is considered more auspicious than even the Ashwamedha Yagna, offering liberation from sins and the cycle of rebirth.

The Four Types of Shivaratri

Shivaratri Type	Description
Nitya Shivaratri	Observed daily at night; a constant remembrance of Lord Shiva.
Masa Shivaratri	Monthly observance on Krishna Paksha Chaturdasi (14th lunar day).
Magha Shivaratri	A 13-day observance in the month of Magha, culminating in all-night worship.
Maha Shivaratri	The grand celebration on Magha Krishna Chaturdasi; widely observed across India.

Rituals of Shivaratri Vrata

Pre-dawn Preparation: Wake early, bathe, wear clean clothes, Rudraksha mala, and apply vibuthi.
Temple Visit: Perform abhishekam to the Shiva Linga with water, milk, honey, and sacred items.
Offerings: Apply haldi and kumkum, offer lotus garlands, light incense, and ring temple bells.
Fasting & Vigil: Observe a strict fast throughout day and night; chant Om Namah Shivaya continuously.
Night-long Worship: Perform abhishekam every three hours; sing bhajans, listen to Shiva legends.
Breaking the Fast: Next morning, consume prasadam with fellow devotees.